Lymphatic Massage After Surgery: What You Need To Know

When you undergo a surgical procedure, you want to get back to normal as quickly as possible. One way to expedite your healing is through lymphatic massage. In addition to rest and medication, lymphatic massage is an ideal contribution to your healing. Here is what you need to know:

What Is Lymphatic Massage?

The lymphatic system is a series of channels through the body that lead back to your lymph nodes. The lymphatic system helps reduce the waste and toxins in your body through the lymphatic fluid. The fluid helps fight off infection as well.

Lymphatic massage targets certain areas of the skin to help the lymphatic system function more effectively. Unlike a traditional massage that targets muscle tissue, lymphatic massage uses long, continuous strokes in certain areas. These strokes open and close the lymphatic system long enough for the toxins to be removed.

What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Massage After Surgery?

After surgery, the channels of the lymphatic system are disrupted. It can take months for them to find their way to new connections. A lymphatic massage can help promote the connections necessary to help you heal.

The massage helps to decrease tissue congestion by moving the extra fluid in your body toward the lymph nodes. When the fluid is moved in this direction, it is more effectively absorbed by the body.

Lymphatic massage also helps decrease the pressure on your incision lines. When your body swells, it can impact the incisions and possibly open the incision. If this happens, you need to go back to your surgeon for help closing the site. Otherwise, you risk infection of the area.

Lymphatic massage also helps to stimulate the nervous system. When your nervous system is calm, it fosters proper healing after the trauma of a surgical procedure. In addition, lymphatic massage helps decrease swelling, soreness, and pain.

When Is Lymphatic Massage Best Used?

There are several types of surgical procedures that can be helped by lymphatic massage. Cosmetic surgery surgeons often prescribe lymphatic massage to help remove the fluids from the body. Any type of surgery that requires you to wear a drain for a period of time afterward benefits from lymphatic massage.

There are some instances in which lymphatic massage is not recommended. Patients who have an infection, a history of stroke, possible blood clots, or congestive heart failure should not have a lymphatic massage. Always consult with your doctor before you have a post-surgical lymphatic drainage massage.